Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated "victory is within reach," in an excerpt of an interview with ABC set to be aired later Sunday, adding that the target is the remaining Hamas terrorist battalions in Rafah and that safe passage will be provided for the civilian population.
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The interview came as Israeli allies, from the United States to Europe, warned that expanding the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operation into the southernmost Gaza governorate of Rafah could be devastating to the civilian population that fled there for safety.
"We're going to do it. We're going to get the remaining Hamas terrorist battalions in Rafah, which is the last bastion, but we're going to do it," Netanyahu said. "Those who say that under no circumstances should we enter Rafah are basically saying lose the war. Keep Hamas there."
The US in particular said it would not support such an activity if the potential impact on the estimated 1.4 million people were taken into account, to which Netanyahu responded in agreement, telling ABC that a detailed plan was being worked out for the operation.
Video: Families of the hostages camp outside the prime minister's home / Yehonatan Shaul
"This I agree with the Americans," Netanyahu told ABC's This Week co-anchor Jonathan Karl. "We're going to do it while providing safe passage for the civilian population so they can leave."
"We're not cavalier about this," the prime minister said. "This is part of our war effort to get civilians out of harm's way. It's part of Hamas' effort to keep them in harm's way."
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
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